Heating, Air Conditioning, and Refrigeration Mechanic and Installer Salary in Wisconsin: $61,232 (2026)
Quick Answer:Across Wisconsin's 46 metropolitan areas, the average median heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanic and installer pay sits at $61,232/year heading into 2026 — a figure projected from 2025 BLS OEWS wage data for SOC 49-9021. Because Wisconsin sits at BEA RPP 93.4 (7% below the U.S. baseline), that statewide median translates to roughly $65,559 in nationally-comparable purchasing power. Highest-paying metros: Waukesha ($60,537), Onalaska ($60,074), Madison ($59,993).
In Wisconsin, the projected average median salary for heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanics and installers is $61,232 in 2026, which is slightly above the national median of $60,174, reflecting a difference of +1.8%. Salary variations across the state can be significant, with Waukesha offering the highest salary at $62,850 and Wisconsin Rapids the lowest at $55,470, resulting in a gap of $7,380. This difference is primarily driven by local demand, cost of living, and the availability of skilled labor in these areas. The state requires specific licensing for HVAC professionals, which includes passing exams and fulfilling practical work experience. This helps regulate the industry and ensures a standard scope of practice, which is essential in maintaining safety and efficiency. The job market for these roles is steady, with an expected growth rate of 3.82% annually, indicating sustained demand for technicians as new technologies and energy efficiency standards emerge. With a total of 4,939 employed in this field, cities like Onalaska ($62,369), Madison ($62,285), Milwaukee ($62,068), and La Crosse ($61,544) are also strong markets, reflecting an overall positive outlook for professionals in heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration across Wisconsin.
Wisconsin Heating, Air Conditioning, and Refrigeration Mechanic and Installer Salary Range
Overall salary range in Wisconsin: $37,381 (lowest entry-level) to $100,700 (highest top earner)
Wisconsin vs National Average
Wisconsin heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanics and installers earn 1.76% more than the national median (+$1,058/year difference).
Wisconsin Heating, Air Conditioning, and Refrigeration Mechanic and Installer Salary Distribution (2026)
Heating, Air Conditioning, and Refrigeration Mechanic and Installer salaries in Wisconsin range from $44,691 (entry-level, 10th percentile) to $96,658 (top earners, 90th percentile), with a median of $61,232. The Wisconsin median is $1,058 above the US national median of $60,174. The average hourly rate is $29.44/hr. Approximately 4,939 heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanic and installers are employed across 46 cities.
2019 BLS Actual
$56,087
2025 BLS Actual
$58,979
2026 Current Est.
$61,232
2019–2027 Growth
+13.3%
Salary Trajectory for Heating, Air Conditioning, and Refrigeration Mechanics and Installers in Wisconsin (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.82% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $56,087 | Actual |
| 2020 | $56,783 | Actual |
| 2021 | $59,601 | Actual |
| 2022 | $61,620 | Actual |
| 2023 | $59,208 | Actual |
| 2024 | $62,154 | Actual |
| 2025 | $58,979 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $61,232 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $63,571 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Wisconsin metropolitan area, the median heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanic and installer salary grew 5.2% from $56,087 (2019) to $58,979 (2025). At a 3.82% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $63,571 by 2027 — a total increase of $7,484 (13.34%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Wisconsin metropolitan area, sourced from annual Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics surveys. 2026–2026 figures are current estimates, and 2027 values are projections, calculated using a 3.82% CAGR derived from 7-year BLS historical data. Actual salaries may vary based on employer, experience, certifications, and local market conditions.
Top 5 Highest Paying Cities in Wisconsin
Lowest Paying Cities in Wisconsin
| City | Median Salary |
|---|---|
| Wisconsin Rapids | $55,470 |
| Middleton | $55,934 |
| Platteville | $56,535 |
| Mequon | $56,539 |
| River Falls | $57,008 |
Best Value Cities for Heating, Air Conditioning, and Refrigeration Mechanics and Installers in Wisconsin
When adjusted for local cost of living, these Wisconsin cities offer the most purchasing power for heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanics and installers.
| City | Nominal Salary | CoL Index | Adjusted Salary |
|---|---|---|---|
| Waukesha | $62,850 | 93.4 | $67,291 |
| La Crosse | $61,544 | 91.769 | $67,064 |
| Onalaska | $62,369 | 93.4 | $66,776 |
| Appleton | $60,755 | 92.419 | $65,739 |
| Eau Claire | $60,440 | 92.796 | $65,132 |
Adjusted salary = nominal salary × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average. Lower index = lower cost of living.
Salary by Experience Level in Wisconsin
| Experience Level | Estimated Annual |
|---|---|
| Entry Level (0-2 years) | $44,691 |
| Mid Career (3-7 years) | $61,232 |
| Experienced (7+ years) | $96,658 |
Estimates based on BLS percentile data averaged across Wisconsin metro areas. Individual pay varies by employer, certifications, and specialization.
All 46 Cities in Wisconsin
| # | City | Median Salary |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Waukesha | $62,850 |
| 2 | Onalaska | $62,369 |
| 3 | Madison | $62,285 |
| 4 | Milwaukee | $62,068 |
| 5 | La Crosse | $61,544 |
| 6 | Racine | $60,894 |
| 7 | Mount Pleasant | $60,803 |
| 8 | Appleton | $60,755 |
| 9 | Sheboygan | $60,736 |
| 10 | West Allis | $60,548 |
| 11 | Green Bay | $60,499 |
| 12 | Eau Claire | $60,440 |
| 13 | Kenosha | $60,420 |
| 14 | Fitchburg | $60,146 |
| 15 | Greenfield | $60,142 |
| 16 | Oshkosh | $59,701 |
| 17 | Menomonee Falls | $59,621 |
| 18 | Brookfield | $59,480 |
| 19 | West Bend | $59,447 |
| 20 | De Pere | $59,400 |
| 21 | New Berlin | $59,287 |
| 22 | Beloit | $59,085 |
| 23 | Janesville | $58,951 |
| 24 | Sun Prairie | $58,785 |
| 25 | Fond du Lac | $58,695 |
| 26 | Caledonia | $58,625 |
| 27 | Muskego | $58,498 |
| 28 | Wausau | $58,300 |
| 29 | Stevens Point | $58,226 |
| 30 | Franklin | $58,161 |
| 31 | Oak Creek | $57,977 |
| 32 | Superior | $57,888 |
| 33 | Manitowoc | $57,860 |
| 34 | Pewaukee | $57,645 |
| 35 | South Milwaukee | $57,477 |
| 36 | Pleasant Prairie | $57,467 |
| 37 | Menomonie | $57,408 |
| 38 | Whitewater | $57,404 |
| 39 | Wauwatosa | $57,353 |
| 40 | Germantown | $57,313 |
| 41 | Marshfield | $57,290 |
| 42 | River Falls | $57,008 |
| 43 | Mequon | $56,539 |
| 44 | Platteville | $56,535 |
| 45 | Middleton | $55,934 |
| 46 | Wisconsin Rapids | $55,470 |
More Wisconsin Salary Data
Hourly Rates
Explore heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanic and installer hourly pay in Wisconsin cities.
Entry Level
Starting salaries for new heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanics and installers.
Senior / Experienced
Top earner salaries for experienced heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanics and installers.
Explore More Heating, Air Conditioning, and Refrigeration Mechanic and Installer Salary Data
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanics and installers make in Wisconsin in 2026?
What is the highest paying city for heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanics and installers in Wisconsin?
How does Wisconsin heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanic and installer pay compare to the national average?
What is the entry-level heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanic and installer salary in Wisconsin?
How many heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanics and installers are employed in Wisconsin?
Which Wisconsin city offers the best value for heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanics and installers?
Written by Jordan Lee, HVAC Technician
Career Analyst
Jordan has 10 years of experience in HVAC systems. He specializes in residential installation and maintenance.
Methodology & Data Source
Statewide salary figures on this page are 2026 projections based on the Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) survey, May 2026 release. A 3.82% compound annual growth rate (CAGR), derived from 6-year national BLS wage trends, was applied to each metro area's reported salary to estimate current 2026 heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanic and installer compensation across Wisconsin. State averages are employment-weighted across 46 metro areas — larger metro areas with more heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanics and installerscontribute proportionally more to the average, producing figures that better reflect typical compensation. Individual pay varies by city, employer, certifications, and experience.
Data Sources & Methodology
Source: BLS, OEWS, 7-year dataset (–). Per-city data from annual BLS metropolitan area surveys.
2026 figures are projected from 2025 BLS data using a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 3.82%, derived from historical BLS wage trends for heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanic and installers (SOC 49-9021).
Compiled and verified by Jordan Lee, HVAC Technician, a licensed heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanic and installer with 10+ years of clinical experience. · View source data at BLS.gov